Planting machine

ABSTRACT

A planting machine for planting of seedlings into soil in a regular and uniform sequence, comprising a frame, at least one plant delivering unit comprising a means for conveying seedlings from a point of manual insertion to a point of placement in sequence in soil, each unit further comprising a means to open a furrow in soil, maintain opened furrow for delivery of seedling, and close opened furrow after delivery of seedling, said delivering unit having a rotatable drum, the structure of which defines compartments around its outermost surface for conveying seedlings from point of manual insertion to point of release, said drum compartments being outwardly open for reception of manually inserted seedlings and for release of seedlings to next delivery stage, further including; an upright conduit means, being open at its upper and lower ends and of sufficient size and located in proximity of, and exposed to, rotatable drum for acceptance of seedlings released from drum, such conduit means guiding seedling from point of release to point of delivery to furrow opening means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/459,807, filed Apr. 2, 2003, which is herewith incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND FIELD

This invention relates in one embodiment to planting machines which areable to travel over the area of soil to be planted, open a furrow in thesoil and continuously drop plants into the furrow. The furrow can thenbe immediately closed by the machine. An embodiment of this inventionrelates to the planting of plants which have developed in a nursery fromseeds to a size which can be handled and can live in a farm fieldenvironment. Such plants are commonly referred to as “seedlings”. Indevices such as mechanical tobacco and pine tree planting machines, theseedlings are typically manually inserted into mechanical hands whichplace them in an opened furrow. In devices such as manual plantingmachines, the operator typically places the seedlings directly in theopened furrow by hand. In either type of known device, the furrow cantypically be closed by the machine.

At the present time, many seedling plants, such as onions are planted bypersons who manually place each plant in an indentation in the soil,then close, or tamp the plant secure in the indentation with a pressingmotion of the hand. The soil indentations are often created by acylindrical drum, provided with spikes placed in rows, and projectingradially from the drum. Such a drum can be axially mounted for freerotation and towed along the plant bed behind a farm tractor, formingthe indentations as it rolls. Planting personnel walk or crawl along thearea to be planted, carrying a supply of plants in one hand, placing andcovering plants with the other.

Because of physical proximity of the furrows required for optimum plantdensity per acre, the size and shape of the planting mechanisms, and thespace required on the planter for operating personnel, existingmechanical seedling planters are sometimes restricted to one operatorper row of plants. Each operator on such known devices will, by hand,select and remove plant seedlings from a storage bin and place one plantseedling at a time in a delivery mechanism, which will deposit it in thepreviously opened furrow.

Since tobacco and tree seedling plants are comparatively large, andspacing along the row is large relative to the size of the plant,planting mechanism and operators, these systems are adequate to produceacceptable levels of production. However, in other applications, such asonion planting, where plants are tiny and spacing is approximately fourinches along the row, they have not proved to be usable.

Other known systems use plant seedlings which have been grown inindividual cups or multi-compartment trays. The uniformity of this typeof holder for the plant makes an easy job for the machine to select andhandle an individual plant seedling. Disadvantages of this system arethe high cost of the special growing and handling equipment required,the complex mechanism required to coordinate the position of the planttray with relation to the planting mechanism as well as the volume ofstorage space required on the planting machine to hold an adequatesupply of plants carried in these containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art afterreviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment and also shows a farm tractor.

FIG. 1B is a side view of one embodiment and also shows a farm

FIG. 2 is a top view of a main frame.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a main frame.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of a main frame.

FIG. 2C is a front view of a main frame.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross section of elements of a planting mechanism.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a planter drum.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a planter drum.

FIG. 4C is a front view of a planter drum.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a planter drum drive line.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a planter drum counter rotation drive.

FIG. 6A is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotationdrive.

FIG. 6B is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotationdrive.

FIG. 6C is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotationdrive.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a traction wheel travel stop.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a fender support post and keyhole cut-out.

FIG. 7B is a front view of a traction wheel travel stop.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a floating skid assembly.

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of a floating skid assembly.

FIG. 8B is a top view of a floating skid assembly.

FIG. 8C is a rear view of a floating skid assembly.

FIG. 8D is a cut-away view of an area of the floating skid frame of theskid belly.

FIG. 8D is a view of a planter plow.

FIG. 9 is a view of a of plant chute.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a of plant chute.

FIG. 10 is a side of an air nozzle.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of an air nozzle.

FIG. 10 is a view of an air nozzle with air hose.

FIG. 11 is an air compressor drive line.

FIG. 11A is a side view of part of an air compressor drive line.

FIG. 12 is an air supply circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodimentillustrated. It should be further understood that the title of thissection of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of TheInvention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office,and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matterdisclosed herein.

In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken toinclude both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference toplural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.

Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention,directed to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an aluminum MMC(Metal Matrix Composite) disk rotor, is now explained in detail.

Various embodiments of the invention can accomplish some or all of thefollowing objects. An embodiment of this invention includes, forexample, a planting machine which utilizes more than one operator perrow of plants. Another embodiment includes, for example, a plantingmachine which will dispense seedling plants in a regular, uniformlyspaced pattern, providing a desirable optimum growing space for eachplant. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machinewhich will dispense seedling plants at a large number of plants per unitof travel, maintaining desirable close plant spacing. Another embodimentincludes a planting machine which will dispense seedling plants at ahigh rate of plants per unit of time, maintaining a desirable high rateof production. Another embodiment includes, for example, a plantingmachine which will carry a supply of seedling plants in sufficientquantities to allow for optimum utilization of the planting machine infields where rows are of great length and require many plants to fill.Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which willbe easily carried by the three point hitch system of a standard farmtractor and obtain all required operating power from the tractor.Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which willshape the soil of the plant bed for optimum plant growth and production.Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which willallow for easy adjustment of plant spacing along the row, to accommodatevariations in mature plant size and growing practice. Another embodimentincludes, for example, a planting machine which will plant at a higherrate of production when compared to existing planting methods. Anotherembodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which does notrequire special preparation of the seedlings, individual holdingcontainers and large volume storage areas on the planting machine.Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which willallow use of seedling plants packaged in bundles and packed in industrystandard crates as is common practice in current manual plantingoperations. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machinein which the seedling dispensing mechanism will be driven by a tractionwheel impelled by contact with the ground surface as the unit is movedover it. Those of skill in the art may recognize other and furtherobjects, advantages, and embodiments of the invention from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. Itis the applicants intent that such variations are encompassed within thescope of this disclosure and the claims below.

FIG. 1A illustrates planting machine 1 attached by three-point hitchframe 31 to a conventional farm tractor. Tractor power take off (PTO)shaft 54 connects planting machine air compressor drive to tractor PTOoutput shaft. Operators sit on seats 35 facing the planter console 2from opposite sides. Four operators on opposite sides of console (eightoperators total) are each positioned in front of, and in close proximityto a plant collecting and dispensing device, which in the case of oneembodiment, is an axially mounted rotatable planter drum 3. A tractionwheel 41 is shown in this embodiment operably connected to rotatableplanter drum 3. FIG. 1A illustrates planting machine in plantingposition, with machine level and in contact with ground area to beplanted. FIG. 1B illustrates planting machine in raised, travel positionwith all elements of machine clear of ground.

FIG. 2, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C illustrate planter mainframe asconstructed in one embodiment. The mainframe comprises several weldedsteel elements, among them three-point hitch frame 31 and main framerails 30. Main frame rails 30 are connected to each other by crossmembers 32 and 36, and the pan structure 25 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B,and FIG. 2C. Cross-member 32 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2A,and FIG. 2B is an elongated tube which extends beyond frame rails 30, toprovide a mount structure for attachments associated with plantingprocess, such as, for example, sweep plows and chemical spray equipment.Cross member 36 serves in the pictured embodiment as mounting structurefor skid downforce spring 24 pictured in FIG. 3. Pan structure 25 is asheet steel weldment comprising a ski shaped center section and twoopposing side panels. Center section of pan structure 25 supports aircompressor pump mount 33, both depicted in FIG. 2B. Other frame elementsdepicted in this embodiment include floorboards and plant storage area84, running boards 85, and operator seats 35, fender 27 and support post28.

FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement of planting machine elements in oneexemplary embodiment. Mechanism for planting one row of plants comprisesin this embodiment opposing pairs of planter drums 114, chute 22,floating skid 86 with plant guide 112, furrow opening plow blade 108,furrow widening plow wedge 109, and furrow closing fins 91. Console 2 issecurely attached to frame rails 30 in one embodiment by welding orother suitable means. Floating skid 86 in one embodiment is pivotallymounted on frame cross member 26 and forced against the earth by skiddownforce spring 24, acting between frame cross member 36 and floatingskid arch 45.

FIG. 4, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B illustrate planter drum 114 mechanism inone embodiment. Planter drum mechanism comprises a two-part cylindricaldrum 115, spoked web 116, hub 117, plant carrier flights 122, togetherwith air nozzle mount 118, air nozzle 71, and air supply hose 58. Airnozzle mount 118 is rotatably mounted on drum shaft 5,13 so that angleof air nozzle 71 relative to a level position is adjustable throughrange of travel of clamp plate 123, and is secured in place to frame bar119 by lock bolt 120. Two parts of cylinder drum 115 are separated by anarrow circumferential slot 121. Slot 121 is provided for passage of airfrom nozzle 71 to plant carrier flights 122, and in the preferredembodiment, divides cylindrical drum 115 into two parts, longer partbeing approximately three-fourths of total length, shorter part beingapproximately one forth of total length. Two parts of cylindrical drum115 are connected by multiple plant carrier flights 122, flights beingsecured to both cylinder parts by welding, bolting or other suitablemeans. Planter drum mechanism 114 is mounted on rotatable shaft 5, 13and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew orother acceptable means.

FIG. 5 illustrates drive line from traction wheel 41 to drum shaft 13 inone embodiment. Traction wheel 41 is removably mounted on axle 43 whichis, in turn rotatably mounted in bearings 64. Bearings 64 are opposedlymounted on sides of traction wheel arm 50. Traction wheel arm 50 is, inturn pivotally mounted to mainframe rail 30 by mount 29, bearings 74 andaxle 45. Bearings 74 are opposedly mounted on sides of arm 50. Axle 45is mounted within hollow tubular body of mount 29 and secured andpositioned by bolt 69 or other suitable means. Thus, traction arm 50,together with all components attached thereto, is mounted for rotationabout axle 45 with said axle securely attached to mainframe rail 30.

Further with reference to an embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, sprocket 42is attached to axle 43 and secured from rotation relative to axle bykeyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Other componentsincluding sprocket 39 and sprocket 40 and the planter drum wheel 14 arerotatably linked to sprocket 40 by drive chain 65. Sprocket 39 andsprocket 40 are mounted for rotation on axle 45, supported by shouldersleeve bearing 67 and washer 75. Sprocket 39 and sprocket 40 areconnected and prevented from rotation, one relative to the other, bydrive pin 76 or other suitable means. Sprocket 39, sprocket 40, shouldersleeve bearing 67 and washer 75 are retained on axle 45 by ring collar66 which is secured in position by setscrew or other suitable means.

Further with reference to an embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, bearings 16are securely mounted to table shelf frame 19 and support opposite endsof jackshaft 15. Sprocket 38 is mounted on jackshaft 15 and secured fromrotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptablemeans. Sprocket 38 is rotatably linked to sprocket 39 by chain 37.Sprocket 17 is mounted on shaft 15 and secured from rotation relative toshaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Sprocket 17 isrotatably linked to sprocket 20 by chain 18. Sprocket 20 and planterdrum 114 are mounted on shaft 13 and secured from rotation relative toshaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Bearing 21 issecurely mounted to table shelf frame 19 and supports one end of shaft13. Thus, traction wheel 41 is, through axle 43, sprocket 42, chain 65,sprocket 40, drive pin 76, sprocket 39, chain 37, sprocket 38, jackshaft15, sprocket 17, chain 18, sprocket 20, and shaft 13, linked forrotation to planter drum 114. Number of teeth in sprockets 42, 40, 39and 38 determine final ratio of rotation between traction wheel 41 anddrum 114.

FIG. 6, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C illustrate system used in oneembodiment to obtain required opposite directions of drum rotation. Manymethods exist that could obtain the same result, and the invention isnot limited to system employed in the pictured embodiment.

Partial section AA in FIG. 6A further illustrates elements also shown inFIG. 5 which rotatably link traction wheel 41 to jackshaft 15.

Partial section BB in FIG. 6B further illustrates rotation reversingsystem. In the embodiment depicted, sprocket 14, together with sprocket17 and sprocket 38, is mounted on jackshaft 15 and secured from rotationrelative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means.Idler sprocket 12 is mounted for free rotation on shaft 13 and supportedon shaft by bushing 11. Sprocket 23 is mounted on shaft 5 and securedfrom rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or otheracceptable means. Chain 10 is routed over sprocket 23 and idler sprocket12, and under sprocket 14. Sprocket 23 and sprocket 14 in theillustrated embodiment have the same number of teeth.

Partial section CC in FIG. 6B further illustrates rotational linkagebetween jackshaft 15 and drum shaft 13. In the embodiment depicted,sprocket 17 is mounted on jackshaft 15 and secured from rotationrelative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means.Sprocket 20 is mounted on drum shaft 13 and secured from rotationrelative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means.Sprockets 17 and 20 have the same number of teeth and are linked forrotation by chain 18.

FIG. 7, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B illustrate in one embodiment traction wheelarm 50, which is pivotally mounted to mainframe rail 30 by mount 29,bearings 74 and axle 45. In the embodiment depicted, link chain 46 issecurely attached to arm 50 by welding or other suitable means. Fendersupport post 28 is provided with keyhole cutout 81, cutout being of adiameter sufficiently large to allow easy passage of chain through it.Cutout is provided with connected slot of correct width and length toaccept and retain single link of chain 46.

FIG. 8, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, and FIG. 8E illustrate inone embodiment a mechanism used to open a furrow in the earth to beplanted, and to close the furrow thus opened and containing seedlingplants. Floating skid frame 86, in the depicted embodiment, isconstructed of welded metal or other suitable material and comprises anelongated body with tube 87 at forward end and arch 95 at trailing end.Tube 87 is provided for pivitable mounting to planter frame member. Skidbelly 88 is constructed of abrasion resisting material and is attachedto skid frame 86 through capture by retaining angle cross member 90 andmounting bolts 89, or other suitable means. Furrow closing fins 91 areconstructed of abrasion resisting material and are adjustably andopposidly mounted to the bottom surface of skid belly 88. Furrow closingfin 91 is mounted for rotation about bolt 92, being secured in itsadjusted position by bolt 94. Slot 93 in skid belly 88 is locatedconcentric with center of bolt 92 and allows required range of angularadjustment for furrow closing fin 91. FIG. 8D is a cut-away view of thearea of floating skid frame which exposes bolts 92 and 94.

Further with reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, FIG. 8A,FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, and FIG. 8E, plant guide 112 is of a funnelshape and is adjustably mounted on skid frame 86 and retained inposition by bolts 113. Plant guides 112 are, in the preferredembodiment, asymmetrical in construction, being offset away from thecenterline of the machine for improved travel of the seedling plant intothe open furrow.

Further with reference to the embodiment depicted FIG. 8E illustratesplanter plow which, in the preferred embodiment, is constructed ofabrasion resisting material and comprises blade 108, and wedge, 109.Wedge shape is attached to blade by welding or other suitable means.Blade is provided with holes 110 for adjustable mounting in skid frame86, and is retained in position by bolts 111.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 9A illustrate in one embodiment chute 22, which in thedepicted embodiment comprises an elongated, tapered hollow channel shellof rectangular cross section. In the depicted embodiment, a lengthwiseportion of channel at broad end of taper comprises four joined sides,with remaining length of channel comprising three sides only. Air nozzle55 is securely mounted on shortened fourth side 9 by welding, clampingor other acceptable means, with lengthwise axis of nozzle aligned withelongated axis of channel and with nozzle exit end directed towardnarrow end of taper.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 10B illustrate in one embodiment construction of airnozzle 55 and air nozzle 71. In the embodiment depicted, sprag typepush-on threaded hose fitting 128 of size matching hose 58 is threadedinto one end of standard pipe coupling 130. Similar fitting 129, withmatching thread size, is threaded into opposite end of coupling. Push-onsprag of fitting 129 which serves as flow-restricting nozzle. In theembodiment shown, push-on barb is sized for {fraction (1/8)} inch hose,giving an exit orifice diameter of approximately 0.05 inches.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 11A illustrates in one embodiment drive line fromtractor PTO shaft 80, to planter air compressor pump 47, as employed inthe depicted embodiment. Universal joints 79 and shaft 54 is a commonagricultural driveshaft assembly as commonly used on pieces of PTOdriven farm machinery. Jackshaft 51 is retained and supported bybearings 63, located near opposite ends of the shaft. Bearings 63 areremovably mounted to plate 34, which is a component of planter frame.

Further with reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 and FIG.11A, driveshaft assembly is mounted on one end of jackshaft 51 andsecured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or otheracceptable means. Pulley 48 is mounted on end of jackshaft 51 oppositedriveshaft assembly end. Pulley 52 is securely attached to pump flywheel53 by bolts, welding or other suitable means. Pulley 48, belt 49 andpulley 52 comprise a means to transmit rotational power from jackshaft51 to air compressor pump 47 at a desired speed of rotation relative totractor PTO speed.

FIG. 12 illustrates planter air supply system as employed in thedepicted embodiment. Tractor PTO driven air compressor pump 47 isconnected by air hose 56 to check valve 62. Compressor pump 47 isprovided with an unloading valve 61, which suspends pumping functionwhen air pressure in storage tank 58 reaches a preset level. This actionreduces heat buildup in compressor pump and provides for more efficientpump operation than would releasing excess high pressure air to theatmosphere. Check valve 62 is connected to air supply storage tank 59 byhose 56. Hose 56 in each instance is rubber push-on hose, connected toattached components by threaded sprag type fittings, or other suitablemeans. Air supply storage tank 59 is provided with air pressure safetyrelease valve 82, and drain valve 83. Air supply storage tank 59 isconnected to filter regulator set 57 by hose 56. Filter regulator set 57is a standard commercial unit, of common use in industry. Using astandard tee fitting, hose 56 is divided at point “X” into two equalbranches, “A” and “B”. Branch “A” supplies air to 4 planter drum andchute nozzles shown, while branch “B” supplies air to an additional setof 4 planter drum and chute nozzles of same design and construction asthose shown. Hose 56 is divided at a point past point “X” into 4 branchhoses 58, each branch further divided to supply air to one drum nozzle71, and one chute nozzle 56.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that theair hose 56 can be any known or hereafter developed means for providinga blast of air or similar gas or liquid to facilitate planting ofseedlings. Pneumatic or hydraulic devices of other kinds to produce jetsof air or liquid can also be used for such a purpose and are consideredwithin the scope of the invention.

With reference to the operation of one embodiment of the invention, FIG.1A and FIG. 1B illustrate one embodiment of the planting machine 1attached by three point hitch 31 to a standard farm tractor. Tractorpower take off (PTO) shaft 54 connects planting machine air compressordrive to tractor PTO output shaft. Operators sit on seats 35 facing theplanter console 2 from opposite sides. Four operators on two oppositesides of the console (eight operators total) are each positioned infront of, and in close proximity to a plant collecting and dispensingdevice, which in the case of the preferred embodiment, is an axiallymounted rotatable planter drum 3. FIG. 1A illustrates planting machinein planting position, with machine level and in contact with ground areato be planted. For travel outside the planting operation, turning aroundat the end of a planting row and other non-planting operations, atractor towing the depicted embodiment can use three point hitch 31 toraise planting machine clear of the planting surface as shown in FIG.1B.

Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the planting machine 1 opens one or more furrows in soil to beplanted, deposits seedling plants at regular spaced intervals, andcloses opened furrow, securing planted seedling in a virtual uprightposition at correct planted depth for proper growth.

When the planting machine is lowered into correct position for contactwith ground area to be planted as illustrated in FIG. 3 for oneembodiment, skid 86, which comprises plow blade 108 and wedge 109 willbe level with, and in solid contact with the soil area to be planted. Astractor moves planting machine over ground area to be planted, plowblade 108 opens furrow to the correct depth as determined by position ofplow in skid frame 86. Furrow is widened to accept seedling plant bywedge 109.

Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, each operator, positioned in front of a rotating planting drum114, is furnished a supply of seedling plants stored in easy reach onthe planting console 2. In the depicted embodiment, planting drum 114 ismounted inside console 2, with a small sector exposed to operator. Asplanting drum 114 rotates, empty flights 122 are exposed to operator,each flight rising from the console and moving away from the operator'sposition. Operator manually drops seedling plants into spaces betweenmoving flights 122, with root end of plant positioned toward slot 121end of planter drum.

Seedling plants in one embodiment are carried in planter drum to aposition, as seen in FIG. 4, near air nozzle 71. Air nozzle 71 providesa constant blast of air directed through slot 121, and into spacebetween flights 122. As seedling plant passes past air blast of nozzle71 it is blown off flight 122 and is free to fall down chute 22. Rootend of seedling plant is heavier and more dense than leaf end, causingplant to fall root end down as it is ejected from planter drum 114,

Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4, seedling plants are of inconsistent weight, density and shapeamong various species, crops, and growing areas, hence effect of airblast from nozzle 71 varies with different plant characteristics. Tocompensate for differences in effect of air blast, angular position ofnozzle mount 118 with relation to position of plant to be ejected fromdrum can be adjusted for earlier or later ejection of plant from planterdrum. Adjusted position is maintained by clamp plate 123 which issecured to frame bar 119 by lock bolt 120.

Although plants in the embodiment depicted will typically drop fromplanter flights without application of air blast, radial position ofrelease point may be inconsistent and may vary greatly from plant toplant within the same plant group. With required spacing of 4 inches andtravel speed of one foot per second, a slight variation in plant releasepoint between to plants can cause great variation in plant spacing.Precise angular positioning of nozzle relative to plant to be ejectedcauses plant to be released to fall free at the same instant andposition from one plant to the next.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment opposing planter drums whichdispense plants into the same furrow are set up with flights one-halfspace out of time with relation to air nozzle 71. As one planting drumpasses into nozzle air blast in the depicted embodiment, its opposingplanter drum is positioned for one-half flight space delay to reachnozzle blast. This alternating ejection of plants from opposing planterdrums results in even spacing of plants along planted row.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment the planting machine isprovided with a plant chute 22 for each pair of opposing planter drums,with opposing drums alternately ejecting plants into the same chute. Inapplications where plant density along the planted row is less, only oneplanter drum, utilizing the same features and elements set forth here,may be required to meet planting rate needs. Chute 22 is provided withfull length sides on three surfaces and a shortened side on one surface.In cases where plants will occasionally clump together during travelfrom ejection from planter drum to position in open furrow, open side ofchute will allow plant clump to fall free from chute without congestingchute and disrupting planting operation. In order to maintain travelpath of a plant away from open side of chute and to accelerate planttoward furrow, an air nozzle 55, is positioned on shortened side ofchute 9, with its air flow directed toward furrow. Nozzle 55 air flowforces falling plant to move toward opposite of chute. Air flow fromnozzle 55 is not adequate to force a clump of plants to opposite wall,so clump will fall free and out of open side of chute. Free fallingseedling plants fall at varying rates depending on plant characteristicsof weight and aerodynamic drag of the leafy end of plant, a leafy, lightweight, plant falling more slowly than a relatively heavy plant with fewleaves. When propelled by air flow of nozzle 55, plants tend to travelat a more uniform rate, with light, leafy plants being accelerated byair flow to a greater degree than relatively heavy plants with fewleaves. This equalization of travel speeds results in a more uniformspacing of plants along planted row.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, in one embodiment plants move fromchute 22 to plant guide 112, which directs plant into open furrow. Inorder for plant to be captured by soil in proper, erect position, furrowmust close around plant at correct instant. Plant guide 112 isadjustably mounted on skid frame 86 for positioning at various depthsrelative to the open furrow. Closing of the open furrow on plant iscontrolled by depth of plant guide 112 relative to open furrow. As plantguide 112 is lowered into furrow closing of furrow is delayed byinterposing side walls of plant guide. As position of plant guide 112 israised relative to furrow, less area of side walls is interposed betweenplant and closing furrow. Adjustability of planting guide 112 depthallows planter to compensate for various soil conditions, with guidebeing raised for dense, stiff soils and lowered for sandy, soft soils.

As shown in an embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, Skid 86 is pivotallymounted on frame cross member 26, a round rod of correct diameter toallow free rotation of tube 87. Spring 24 applies downward force on arch95 and hence to skid 86. Skid belly 88 slides along soil of plantingarea, and due to downward force of spring 24 and pivotal mounting oncross member 26, maintains constant contact as soil level rises or fallswith relation to planting machine.

As shown in an embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, skid 86 is provided withopposedly mounted furrow closing fins 91. It is the purpose of fins 91to further compact the soil as it captures plant and return soildisplaced by plow blade 108 and wedge 109 to the furrow. Fins 91 projectdownward into soil and converge relative to each other at trailing ends.As skid moves along furrow, converging arrangement of fins 92 scrapesdisplaced soil back into furrow and together with smoothing andcompacting action of skid belly 88, further compacts soil around plants.

Planter drum 114 is driven in rotation by a series of chain linkagesfrom traction wheel 41. Traction wheel 41 together with arm 50 ispivotably mounted on axle 45 with sufficient unrestricted travel toallow full contact of wheel with ground when planter is lowered intoplanting position. Traction wheel 41 together with arm 50 is attached toplanter frame rail 30 by mount 29. Weight of Traction wheel 41, arm 50,and attached components such as chain drive, generates sufficientdownward force to drive traction wheel in rotation as planter is movedover the area to be planted. As illustrated in FIG. 7, traction wheel islimited in downward travel by chain 46. Downward travel limit is set byadjusting length of chain between arm 50 and keyhole 81. Chain isadjusted for required up and down movement of traction wheel 41 duringplanting process and sufficient ground clearance while in a raisedposition, as shown for one embodiment in FIG. 1.

Spacing of plants along row in one embodiment is determined by relationof distance traveled by traction wheel 41 and number of flights 122moving past air nozzle 71. By way of example, in one embodiment thedistance traveled in one rotation of traction wheel is 60 inches, thedrive ratio between traction wheel and planter drum is 1:1, and thenumber of flights on drum is 20. In this example, 20 plants would beplanted in 60 inches of travel, giving a plant spacing of 3 inches. Bychanging number of teeth on one or more drive sprockets in drive chainfrom traction wheel 41 to jackshaft 15, any desired ratio, and hence anyplant spacing along the row, may be obtained.

FIG. 6, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C illustrate in one embodiment asystem used in the preferred embodiment to obtain required oppositedirections of drum rotation. Many methods exist that could obtain thesame result, and the invention is not limited to system employed in thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 6A, illustrates in one embodiment elements also shown in FIG. 5which rotatably link traction wheel 41 to jackshaft 15. All changes indrive ratio to alter spacing of plants along planted row must beundertaken between sprockets 42 and 40, and between sprockets 39 and 38.

Partial section FIG. 6B illustrates in one embodiment rotation reversingsystem. In the depicted embodiment, sprocket 14, together with sprocket17 and sprocket 38, is mounted on jackshaft 15. Idler sprocket 12 isfree to rotate on shaft 13. Sprocket 23 is rigidly mounted on shaft 5.Chain 10 is routed over sprocket 23 and idler sprocket 12, and undersprocket 14. Sprocket 23 and sprocket 14 have the same number of teeth.As jackshaft 15 is driven in a counter-clockwise rotation, sprocket 23and hence shaft 5 will be driven in a clockwise rotation. To maintaincoordinated rotation between opposing planter drums, sprockets 23 and 14must have the same number of teeth.

Partial section FIG. 6C illustrates in one embodiment rotational linkagebetween jackshaft 15 and drum shaft 13. Sprocket 17 is rigidly mountedon jackshaft 15. Sprocket 20 is rigidly mounted on drum shaft 13.Sprockets 17 and 20 are linked for rotation by chain 18. To maintaincoordinated rotation between opposing planter drums, sprockets 17 and 20must have the same number of teeth.

Planter is provided in one embodiment with pressure air system asillustrated in FIG. 12. In the embodiment depicted, air compressor pump47 provides supply of compressed air to operate drum nozzles 71 andchute nozzles 55. Air compressor pump is provided with unloading valve61, which relieves pressure pumping load and circulates free air throughthe pump for cooling. Unloading valve 61 is operated when pressure inair tank 59 reaches a pre-set value. In one embodiment pump is active75% of time and in non-pumping cooling mode 25%. Check valve 62 holdstank pressure when unloading valve operates, and relieves start-up loadon pump when tank is at high pressure. Filter regulator set 57 is commoncommercial unit as found in industry. Filter guards against cloggednozzles and regulator reduces pressure from 100-125 p.s.i. air tank 59pressure to 30-40 p.s.i. nozzle working pressure. Air system branches inone embodiment at point “X” on FIG. 12 to furnish air to similar set ofplanter drum and chute nozzles as those shown. Tank is provided withsafety relief valve 82 which operates in case unloading valve fails andtank pressure reaches unsafe levels. A water drain valve 83, isinstalled at low point of air tank.

Air compressor pump in one embodiment is driven by carrying tractor'sPTO output. Drive in one embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11. Dependingon tractor's PTO speed, either 550 or 1000 r.p.m, the size of pulleys 48and 52 are selected in one embodiment to provide a pump operating speedof 1200 to 1500 r.p.m. with tractor engine at planting travel speed.

From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications andvariations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit andscope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to beunderstood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodimentsillustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure isintended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fallwithin the scope of the claims.

1. A planting machine for planting of seedlings into soil in a regularand uniform sequence, comprising: a frame; at least one plant deliveringunit comprising a means for conveying seedlings from a point of manualinsertion to a point of placement in sequence in soil, each unit furthercomprising a means to open a furrow in soil, maintain opened furrow fordelivery of seedling, and close opened furrow after delivery ofseedling, said delivering unit having a rotatable drum, the structure ofwhich defines compartments around its outermost surface for conveyingseedlings from point of manual insertion to point of release, said drumcompartments being outwardly open for reception of manually insertedseedlings and for release of seedlings to next delivery stage, furtherincluding; an upright conduit means, being open at its upper and lowerends and of sufficient size and located in proximity of, and exposed to,rotatable drum for acceptance of seedlings released from drum, suchconduit means guiding seedling from point of release to point ofdelivery to furrow opening means.
 2. A planting machine as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said rotatable drum has a central shaft, being mountedat the end of said drum for rotation about its lengthwise axis,compartments in said drum being defined as the space between adjacentplates mounted for rotation on outer surface of said drum.
 3. A plantingmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a means is provided to augmentthe release of seedling from rotatable drum at a predetermined point inits rotation with relation to upright conduit means, such augmentingmeans being a blast of pressurized air, such blast being deliveredthrough an air restricting and directing means.
 4. A planting machine asclaimed in claim 3, wherein the predetermined point of augmentation ofseedling release by air blast can be changed with relation uprightconduit means, such change being effected by manual repositioning of airrestricting and directing means.
 5. A planting machine as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the upright conduit means is of rectangular crosssection, a portion of one side of said rectangle being open andunrestrictive to the flow of particles
 6. A seedling planter,comprising: a plant delivering unit, a rotatable drum mounted on saidplant delivering unit, said rotatable drum having compartments forconveying seedlings from point of insertion to point of release; an jetassociated with said rotatable drum, said jet facilitating even releaseof seedlings at said point of release.
 7. A seedling planter accordingto claim 6, further comprising a from, wherein said plant deliveringunit is mounted on said frame.
 8. A seedling planter according to claim7 wherein said frame is suitable for being pulled behind a tractor.
 9. Aseedling planter according to claim 7 further comprising a tractionwheel, said traction wheel being mounted on said frame, said tractionwheel being operable interconnected with said plant delivering unit todrive said plant delivering unit.
 10. A method for planting seedlings,comprising: inserting seedlings into a rotatable drum at a point ofinsertion; conveying the seedlings to a point of release; releasing theseedlings at the point of release for planting; facilitating release ofthe seedlings at the point of release by a jet.
 11. The method accordingto claim 10 wherein said jet is a jet of air from a nozzle.
 12. Themethod according to claim 10 wherein the rotatable drum conveys theseedlings to the point of release